Anyway, the difference between a mod and an admin is that an admin has more power. For example : add new subforums, create new usergroups, elect moderators, add smileys and avatars, prune inactive users, set hundreds of forum options (quick reply, flags, reputation system, registration options...), etc.
Personally I do not think that an admin should refrain from moderating as admins have some abilities that mods do not have. What's more I think an admin is responsible for creating new topics and keep the forum alive (even if that means create controversy). On most forums I know, admins act as "super-moderators", and do take an active part in the forum life. I approve this view, but Thomas doesn't.
Here on JREF, 'forum admin' also equals 'site owner' (except for Twisted). Our job as site owner is so much more than the forum alone. It includes site design (mostly me), server administration (mostly Thomas), writing articles (mostly me), approving new photos, classified ads, directory websites, and banners (mostly Thomas), and more.
In other words, Thomas and I both take care of administrative tasks (me more on the forum, him more for the server), but I am the only admin really taking my role as moderator on top of that. Splitting offtopic discussions, banning spammers, trolls and flammers, closing or deleting threads were arguments are too heated or from which nothing good can come, are all admins and mods' responsibilities.
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